London Spy Report: December

Each month our Lucky Onion London Spy leaves Cheltenham and the Cotswolds behind and heads for London. The Spy brings you the latest news from the best restaurants, hotels, theatres, galleries and general happenings in the capital. Check out what December has to offer.

RESTAURANT

Peckham’s multi-storey car park is having a massive makeover, transforming into a new local hub that will see two storeys of street food kiosks, cafés, restaurants and two bars. Get ready for Drums & Flats’ chicken wings; baklava from Kurdish restaurant Nandine, Canard with its confit duck, Hawaiian raw fish from Lords of Poké and Picky Wops’ vegan pizza. All washed down with craft beers from Lady Godiva and natural wines from West.

EXHIBITION

Britain’s favourite bear is coming to town in this major new family exhibition. Revealing the real people, relationships and inspirations behind Winnie-the-Pooh, the show gives a fascinating insight into the magical life of Hundred Acre Wood’s world-famous resident. Alongside original illustrations, enjoy manuscripts, early editions, letters, videos and ceramics. There are lots of fun activities for little ones, too, including dressing-up areas, storytelling trees and a picnic drawing table.

From 9th December 2017 to 8th April 2018. V&A, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL.

THEATRE

It may bepantomime season but for something truly exquisite, head to The Nutcracker performed by the Royal Ballet. Brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s famous score, it’s late on Christmas Eve when a young girl named Clara tiptoes downstairs in search of her favourite present, a nutcracker doll. There, she is met by the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer who transports her on a dream-like adventure where she encounters the villainous Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy and is whisked away to the Land of Sweets.Until 10th January 2018. Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD. 020 7304 4000;

MUSIC

Everyone’s favourite boutique festival is teaming up with longstanding club night Feeling Gloomy at The Lexington in Islington for a festive knees-up. Doubling as a War Child fundraiser, soulful R&B artist Jodie Abacus will be headlining followed by indie rock-band The Modern Strangers and other great names. If that’s not enough… There’s a Christmas jumper competition, hidden Christmas stockings – and keep an ear out for the announcement of Standon Calling 2018’s first headliner.

SCENE STEALER

For a big dose of festive spirit, head to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park – an epic celebration of all things Christmas with winter markets, fairground rides, ice skating, grottos and plenty of glühwein. There are too many highlights to count but to name a few: a Magical Ice Kingdom, Cinderella on Ice, acrobatic wonders at Zippos Circus, a Giant Observation Wheel plus a German Christmas market with over 200 chalets. Most importantly, don’t miss Father Christmas who’s taken up residence in Santa Land.